Friday nigth fever for Goodwin

21 December 2012 08:32

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St Mirren skipper Jim Goodwin looks forward to his first taste of Friday night football this season as Saints host Motherwell in the SPL.

Both clubs agreed to move the fixture forward to avoid playing over the last weekend before Christmas when crowds are often down.
That move has found favour with the former Stockport, Scunthorpe, Huddersfield Town midfielder.

"I am delighted with it," he said.

"I played in England, they have been doing it for a long time down there and it was a huge success. In the past the attendances have been up at Friday night games.

"I think at this time of the year it will be nice for the fans to have Saturday and Sunday before their Christmas with their kids and families. It is definitely worth trying."

Goodwin, 31, believes the second-placed Steelmen are the benchmark for the Buddies who are sitting second-bottom, five points above Dundee.
The Irishman said:

"There is not too much between the teams in terms of attendances, budgets and what have you, I would imagine.

"Motherwell have been terrific for the last couple of seasons. Stuart McCall hasn't had fortunes to spend but he has made the best of what he has had.

"And after a shaky start they have started to get things together. They are a good side and they deserve all the credit they are getting."

McCall's side have won their past four away SPL games and moved behind leaders Celtic last week with a 3-2 win at Hibernian.
However, the Well manager warned his players against complacency.
He said:

"I reminded the lads that we were flying at this time last year, winning five (away) on the bounce and went to Hearts on Christmas eve and put in a very poor performance (to lose 2-0).

"So just because we are going well and playing well away, it doesn't mean to say you just have to turn up and think you are going to win the game.

"I think we showed that at Hibs; the first 45 minutes wasn't great although the second 45 was obviously a massive contrast to that.

"So the players are well aware what is needed and we have to keep focused game by game."